co2/O2 please explain.

[plantbrain]

I thank you all for your assistance! 10000x? slower is hard for me to grasp. For me the good news is: I'm growing algae without even trying to. So that means I'm already growing plants in my aquarium. So what do I need to do differently to grow larger, more attractive plants?

Algae are not CO2 limited, this is about 0.1ppm or less for most FW species.
So there's always plenty for them. Plants are limited at 20-50ppm for different species.

So adding CO2 is the key.

Many worry about nutrients or add more and more light, this helps the algae, not plants.

So in answer: Lower light, good ferts/nutrients, and good CO2.

These make management much easier.

Regards,
Tom Barr

 

[coach_z]

Algae are not CO2 limited, this is about 0.1ppm or less for most FW species.
So there's always plenty for them. Plants are limited at 20-50ppm for different species.

So adding CO2 is the key.

Many worry about nutrients or add more and more light, this helps the algae, not plants.

So in answer: Lower light, good ferts/nutrients, and good CO2.

These make management much easier.

Regards,
Tom Barr

:iagree:

 

[Tobaobo Koomi]

i have read that some who keep smaller planted tanks, say 20 gallon and below, will exhale co2 by mouth via airline tube once or twice a day to add the co2 to the water...any validity to that practice?

 

[coach_z]

i have read that some who keep smaller planted tanks, say 20 gallon and below, will exhale co2 by mouth via airline tube once or twice a day to add the co2 to the water...any validity to that practice?

no. exhaled air is ~ 4% CO2. The majority of it will leave the tank before the person is done taking their next breath. IMHO, all these people you speak of are simply full of hot air. lolpun!

 

[Tobaobo Koomi]

))rimshot(( that was punny!

and i assumed it was nonsense, but you never know if you do not ask...

 

[Jstdv8]

So, if what Ive been told is correct you don't want to use HOB filters like an emporor 400 if you are going planted with CO2 injection becuase the surface aggitation will cause you to use more CO2. This is why canister filters are reccomended for panted tanks

 

[tanker]

So, if what Ive been told is correct you don't want to use HOB filters like an emporor 400 if you are going planted with CO2 injection becuase the surface aggitation will cause you to use more CO2. This is why canister filters are reccomended for panted tanks

Yes, so the output can be "Aimed" underwater to have circulation but not surface movement.